Uterine hemorrhage controlling system and method

Abstract

An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method, comprising the steps of:
 inserting a suction module into a uterine cavity, the suction module comprising a flexible suction tube configured into a loop such that a first end and a second end of the loop are fluidly connected to a distal end of a connecting tube, the connecting tube extending proximally from the flexible suction tube, a seal connected to the connecting tube at a location proximal to the loop; the flexible suction tube having a plurality of openings along an inner surface of the loop; 
 sealing the uterine cavity with the seal while the loop of the suction module is situated distal to the seal within the uterine cavity; 
 connecting a proximal end of the connecting tube to a negative pressure source; and 
 applying a negative pressure within the uterine cavity via the plurality of openings. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to reduce uterine hemorrhaging. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of shielding the suction module to prevent obstruction of the plurality of openings. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of shielding the plurality of openings with the suction tube. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  above wherein the step of shielding the plurality of openings includes shielding the plurality of openings with an outer surface of the loop of the suction tube. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of transmitting bodily fluids from the uterine cavity through the suction module. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the seal is configured to maintain the negative pressure within the uterine cavity while the suction module is inserted into the uterine cavity. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein the seal is an inflatable balloon and further including the step of inflating the balloon. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of sealing the uterine cavity includes placing the seal into a vaginal canal. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step sealing the uterine cavity includes placing the seal at an entrance to the vaginal canal. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of deforming the seal. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of expanding the seal. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  wherein the seal is connected to the connecting tube such that the seal surrounds the connecting tube. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of reversibly deforming the suction tube to facilitate transvaginal insertion of the suction tube into the uterine cavity. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying the negative pressure includes applying the negative pressure to contract the uterus.